The photo was taken by US television reporter Eli Ross who was on the flight - he posted the image on Twitter writing: 'I am still amazed #Prince William flies COACH. That's pretty humble/awesome. Who knew?'

 

On the American Airlines plane he took a window seat and is understood to have ordered water during the 1hour 30 domestic flight. A similar flight was on sale today for £250. Holding his hand luggage he boarded a plane separately to the rest of the passengers in Memphis, surrounded by security officers. The 31-year-old was then photographed at the Dallas airport wearing jeans, a pale blue shirt, white trainers and a baseball cap as he left the American Airlines Admiral Club.

 

The princes are accompanied round-the-clock by a team of around four taxpayer-funded officers from Scotland Yard's Royalty³ Protection Squad⁴. One senior industry source estimated the cost of guarding the princes during their five-day trip would be in the region of $84,000, including business class flights and hotels for all of the officers.

 

It is not the first time that the royals have tried to save money when attending a wedding. In 2011 passengers were surprised to see Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge settle into seats with the rest of the public after boarding a Flybe jet in Edinburgh for their hour long journey to Manchester following the wedding of Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall in Edinburgh. Meanwhile, a hungover Prince Harry chose EasyJet to make his way home to London.

 

During the recession the Queen urged her family to show restraint and to avoid overt⁵ displays of extravagance. When they are on official duties the princes travel in first or business class along with their entourage.

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